150129 workplace ergonomics final

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HR Update

Workstation ergonomics for a safer,

more effective workplace

AbilityNet Webinar

10 February 2014


Welcome

Sarah Irving

AbilityNet

Robin Christopherson

AbilityNet

Mark Walker

AbilityNet


Workstation ergonomics

Understanding ergonomics

The impact on employees

Legal responsibilities

Common issues in the workplace

And how to deal with them

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• Workplace Services

• Student Services

• Accessibility Services

• Free IT Support for

Disabled People

• My Computer My Way

• Tech4Good Awards

AbilityNet

Adapting Technology. Changing Lives.


Because one size doesn’t fit all

In an average office:

• 10% of people will be

left handed

• 15% won't be able

to read a 10 point font

without straining

their eyes

• 10% or more will

have dyslexia

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Workstation Assessments


What is Ergonomics?

ERGON + NOMOS(Work) (Natural Laws)

The science that studies people’s performance and well being

in relation to their job tasks and their environment

The Purpose of Ergonomics and our assessments is:

• Maximise performance

• Minimise the risk of illness and injury


Who is the average person?


What does the law say?

Employment Law

• Duty of Care

Equality Act 2010

• Requires Reasonable Adjustments

Health and Safety (Display Screen

Equipment) Regulations 1992

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What is the impact in the workplace?

• 90% of people in the UK use

a computer in their work

• Many use a specified

workstation

• Growing use of hot-desking

Poor ergonomics contributes to:

• Absenteeism

• Chronic Sickness

• Claims against the employer

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Some of the most common issues

• Poorly adjusted chairs / unsuitable chairs

• Monitors, and keyboards positioned badly

• User not knowing how to use mouse correctly

Plus

• Lack of expert advice and information in-house

• Lack of understanding within HR and management teams

• Lack of knowledge of legal risks

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An example bad workstation.....

Cacti grow well in hot dry environments

Incorrect positioning of desk lamp

Feet not firmly on the floor

Cushion pressing into underside of thigh

Back not supported by the backrest

Keyboard at an angle increasing angle at wrist

Neck twisted to look at monitor

Monitor not positioned head on

Using mouse too far away causing strain on shoulder


Physical/Musculoskeletal Symptoms

What? Where?

Discomfort Neck

Aches Shoulders

Tightness Arms

Pains Wrists

‘Pins and Needles’ Hands

Numbness Mid/Lower Back

‘Burning’ Lower Limbs


Causes of physical symptoms

• Awkward, twisted postures

• Improperly adjusted furniture and equipment

• Workstation layout

• Excessive stretches and reaches

• Static postures

• Stress and muscular tension


Not just physical problems

Others factors need to be considered, such as

• Vision

Fatigue, eyestrain and discomfort, including effects on vision

• Hearing

• Specific Learning Difficulties eg Dyslexia

• Stress

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An example good workstation…..

Monitor approximately at eye height and an arms length awayHead up

Feet firmly on a footrestOnly moderate

pressure at the front of the seat cushion

Eyes looking forward to most of the time

Back erect and supported

Shoulders relaxed

Hands in line with the forearms

Reference material is easy to look at


Some examples

Getting them in the right posture

Chair, document holder, etc

Alternating between sitting and standing

Sit/stand workstation

Specialist chair + perching stool

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The mobile workstation…

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The mobile workstation…


Key lessons

• The goal is for every employee to be safe, comfortable and

productive

• Employers must offer reasonable adjustments

• One size doesn’t fit all

Remember:

• It’s NOT about fitting the person to the environment

• It’s about fitting the environment to the person

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Interactive Guide

www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/hs/assessment/

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Questions

Please use the Questions box on GotoWebinar


Contact Us

[email protected]

+44 (0)1926 465 247 @abilitynet

Next AbilityNet webinars

• Dealing with RSI in the Workplace, 10th February 2015

Sign up at www.abilitynet.org.uk/webinars

mailto:[email protected]

150129 workplace ergonomics final

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